Apparatus and method for controlling washing machine

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for controlling a washing machine that automatically select a washing method when a user uses the washing machine and saves the user an effort to choose a washing method suitable for the laundry. The apparatus includes at least one sensor unit in the washing machine configured to measure a value of a natural frequency of laundry in the washing machine; a database unit storing information regarding a washing method of the laundry; a control unit that compares the value of the natural frequency from the sensor unit with value(s) of a natural frequency or frequencies stored in the database unit to determine the type of laundry, select a washing method corresponding to the determined type of laundry, and output a signal to perform the selected washing method; and a driving unit that receives the signal from the control unit and operates the washing machine in accordance with the signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0136147, filed on Nov. 11, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling a washing machine.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a washing machine includes several washing courses, in which a washing time, a rinsing time, and/or a spin-drying time may be adjusted, depending on the type of laundry. This is because when the washing method change depending on the laundry type (e.g., cotton, a blanket, wool, linen, or synthetic), clean washing is performed and damage to the laundry may be prevented.

Therefore, a user needs to know the type of laundry before washing the laundry to select a proper washing course from several washing courses based on the types of laundry.

However, it may be troublesome for the user to differentiate the types of laundry one by one, and the user may frequently wash many small loads of laundry, or fail to select a differentiated washing course, regardless of the type of laundry.

In this case, the laundry is not completely washed, or damage may occur to the laundry due to inappropriate washing, which may cause economic loss.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made in an effort to provide an apparatus and a method for controlling a washing machine which automatically select a washing method when a user uses the washing machine, and that saves the user an effort to choose a washing method suitable for the laundry placed in the washing machine.

In order to obtain the above-described object(s), one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a control apparatus for a washing machine including at least one sensor unit in the washing machine configured to measure a value of a natural frequency of laundry in the washing machine; a database unit including (e.g., storing) information regarding a washing method (e.g., a plurality of settings for each of a plurality of washing courses) for the laundry; a control unit that compares the value of the natural frequency from the sensor unit with a value of a natural frequency in the database unit (e.g., to determine the type of laundry and select a washing method corresponding to the type of laundry) and output a signal to perform the selected washing method; and a driving unit (e.g., motor) that receives the signal from the control unit and operates the washing machine in accordance with the signal.

One or more other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provides a method of controlling a washing machine, including measuring a value of a natural frequency of laundry in the washing machine; comparing the measured value of the natural frequency with a value of a natural frequency stored in a database unit to determine a type of laundry; and performing a washing method corresponding to the type of laundry.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the user washes laundry, the inconvenience of differentiating a type of laundry one by one and/or a need to choose a correct or most appropriate washing method may be avoided or omitted.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the laundry may be washed using an optimal washing method in consideration of a type of laundry (e.g., after the washing machine automatically selects the washing method based on the type[s] of laundry determined to be in the washing machine).

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary structure of a washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a control apparatus for a washing machine according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of controlling a washing machine according to one or more other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A configuration of the present disclosure and an effect thereof will be clearly understood through the following detailed description. Like reference numerals in different drawings designate like elements, and a detailed explanation of known related functions and constitutions may be omitted when the detailed explanation may obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary structure of a washing machine.

The exemplary washing machine is configured as illustrated in FIG. 1, and includes an external cover 11 comprising a plurality of walls or panels and serving as an external member and/or exterior of the washing machine, a drum 13 within the external cover 11 configured to rotate during a washing, rinsing and/or spin-drying process, a tub 12 containing the drum 13 and configured to hold the washing water, a pulsator 14 that rotates at a lower center of the drum 13 during a washing process, and a sensor unit 20 in the drum 13 and/or on the pulsator 14. The pulsator 14 may be replaced with an agitator, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the washing machine may be a front-loading and/or drum-type washing machine (which may perform drying, in addition to washing, rinsing and spin-drying).

The washing machine includes a gear mechanism 17 that manipulates, changes and/or selects a gear to fix the drum 13 at during washing, rotate the pulsator 14 at a predetermined rotational speed (e.g., RPM), and rotate the drum 13 and the pulsator 14 at the same rotational speed (e.g., RPM) during spin-drying. In various embodiments, the gear mechanism 17 may rotate the drum 13 at an appropriate rotational speed (e.g., RPM) during washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, and disengage the pulsator 14 (e.g., allow the pulsator 14 to rotate freely) during spin-drying and optionally during rinsing. A washing motor 15 is connected to the gear mechanism 17 through a V belt 16. A water supplying/draining pipe 19 is connected to the tub 12, and a water supplying/draining valve 18 that is manipulated by electric control is included in the water supplying/draining pipe 19.

When laundry is washed using the washing machine, the user typically and/or directly differentiates the types of laundry, and adjusts the washing time, the rinsing time, and/or the spin-drying time, or selects the washing course or method from several washing courses or methods based on the differentiated result (e.g., the type of laundry sorted by the user).

For example, when the user washes the laundry using the washing machine, the user may select “a quick washing course” for laundry that is less dirty and that may be frequently washed, such as a T-shirt, a handkerchief, or underwear, a “blanket washing course” for laundry, such as a thick blanket, a curtain, a rug, bedding for camping or hiking, or a sheet, a “wool washing course” for laundry such as a high-quality sweater, a cardigan, a silk product, lingerie, or stockings, and a “fuzzy washing course” for normal laundry, in which a plurality of laundry types are mixed. Such washing courses are performed at predetermined washing, rinsing, and spin-drying times with appropriate water level and/or temperature and drum and/or pulsator/agitator rotation speeds, which are set in advance and stored in the database. However, it may not be easy for the user to determine the laundry type or select an appropriate washing course or method, and the user may not easily determine an appropriate washing course or method when a plurality of laundry types are mixed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a control apparatus for a washing machine according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the control apparatus according to exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure may include an interface unit 10, a sensor unit 20, a database unit 30, a control unit 40, a driving unit 50, and a display unit 60.

The interface unit 10 is a configuration or interface for exchanging information between the user and the washing machine or control apparatus, and may comprise a general key pad or “smart” display unit that provides an input environment through which the user selects or inputs a washing course or method, a control mode, and/or one or more settings for a washing, rinsing, or spin-drying cycle or course of the washing machine.

When the user selects the washing course or method, control mode or settings of the washing machine through the interface unit 10, the sensor unit 20 which automatically checks a value of a natural frequency of the laundry, even though the user does not specifically control the washing machine.

The sensor unit 20 may include an acceleration sensor or a vibration sensor. For example, the sensor unit 20 may include sensor that detects an absorption or reflection of visible, infra-red ultraviolet, megahertz and/or terahertz radiation, and a radiation source that provides such radiation. In addition, the radiation source and sensor may be positioned so that the sensor can receive the radiation from the radiation source, directly or reflected by the laundry. Furthermore, the natural frequency of laundry selected for comparison may be one or more characteristic frequencies of absorption and/or reflection of the material of the laundry, rather than of dye or other coloration of the laundry. Such characteristic frequencies of the material of the laundry (e.g., amide bonds of nylon, characteristic chemical bonds of amino acids and/or proteins in silk or wool, or cellulose in cotton, etc.). At least one sensor unit 20 may be in the washing machine. The sensor unit 20 may be provided as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the position of the sensor unit 20 is not limited to any of the specific positions illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, the sensor unit 20 may have a position configured to measure the value of the natural frequency of the laundry that is loaded in the washing machine.

When the control mode and/or washing course, method or setting(s) of the washing machine is selected through the interface unit 10, the sensor unit 20 may measure the value of one or more natural frequencies of laundry that is loaded in the washing machine. The natural frequencies are characteristic values possessed by all objects having certain materials and/or chemical bonds therein, and all such objects have unique natural frequencies (e.g., alone or in combination), depending on their own characteristics. Therefore, if the natural frequency or frequencies of the laundry that is loaded in the washing machine is checked, it is possible to comprehend or determine the type of laundry.

The value of the natural frequency F which may be measured by the sensor unit 20 may be defined by the following Equation [1]:

$\begin{matrix} {{{Natural}\mspace{14mu} {frequency}\mspace{14mu} (F)} = {{1/2}\pi \times \sqrt{\left( \frac{k}{m} \right)}}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack \end{matrix}$

In Equation [1], k indicates a spring constant of the laundry, and m indicates a mass of the laundry. Here, it is understood that the value of the natural frequency is proportional to the spring constant and inversely proportional to the mass.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in order to differentiate the type of laundry in the washing machine, values of the natural frequency or frequencies of various types of laundry are obtained in advance and stored in the database unit 30. When the laundry is loaded in the washing machine, the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of the laundry in the washing machine is/are compared to the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of various types of laundry that is stored in the database unit 30 to differentiate and/or determine the type of laundry in the washing machine.

The type of laundry according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include cotton, a blanket, wool, silk, linen, nylon, and various other synthetic materials, which have values of unique natural frequencies according to the type of laundry (e.g., the particular material and/or its chemical structure) so that the natural frequency or frequencies can be checked to comprehend or determine the type of laundry.

The database unit 30 stores information regarding the value of the natural frequency or frequencies for at least common laundry types (and in one embodiment, every type of every kind of laundry) that may be loaded in the washing machine. The database unit 30 also stores information relating to an optimal washing method for each type of laundry for which natural frequency information is stored in the database unit 30. The value of the natural frequency or frequencies for various types and/or kinds of laundry may be separately stored for each type of laundry and may be set in a range designated by the user.

The control unit 40 compares the value of the natural frequency which is input to the sensor unit 20 with the value of the natural frequency which is already stored in the database unit 30 to determine a type of laundry.

In other words, the control unit 40 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure compares the value of the natural frequency or frequencies from the sensor unit 20 with the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of various types of laundry stored in the database unit 30 to check whether the values of the natural frequencies match. If the values of the natural frequencies match (i.e. the natural frequency or frequencies of the laundry in the washing machine with the natural frequency or frequencies of a particular type of laundry as stored in the database unit 30), the control unit 40 checks a type of laundry corresponding to the matching value of the natural frequency. Optionally, the relative absorbance or reflection of radiation at the natural frequency or frequencies may also be compared, either to an absorbance or reflection at a standard frequency, or to one or more other natural frequencies of the type of laundry.

The control unit 40 selects an optimal washing method corresponding to the type of laundry determined using the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of the laundry, and outputs a control signal that instructs or controls the washing machine to perform the selected washing method or course, optionally according to predetermined or selected settings.

The driving unit 50 receives the control signal from the control unit 40 and operates the washing machine or one or more components thereof (e.g., the drum 13 and/or pulsator 14) in accordance with the control signal. Even though not specifically illustrated, the driving unit 50 includes a motor that drives the washing machine (e.g., one or more components thereof, such as the drum 13 and/or pulsator 14) or a water supply valve (not shown) for controlling a water supply to the tub 12.

The control signal includes information regarding the optimal washing method or course corresponding to the determined type of laundry. The information regarding the washing method includes information on the washing course performed, based on the optimal washing time, rinsing time, and spin-drying time, temperature and/or rotation speed of the drum and pulsator/agitator, depending on the type of laundry.

The information for the washing course may include information on at least one of a temperature of the washing water, the washing course (e.g., washing, rinsing, spin-drying, or drying), the time of the washing course, and a detergent and/or amount of detergent to be used for running the washing machine for common types of laundry (e.g., cotton, a blanket, wool, linen, permanent press, and synthetics). In one embodiment, the information for the washing course includes information on at least the water temperature, the washing course, and the time of the washing course for every type of laundry.

The display unit 60 displays the information regarding the washing method that is performed in accordance with the type of laundry determined by the control unit 40. The user may check the information regarding the washing method displayed on the display unit 60. In this case, the display unit 60 may comprise an LCD or other display device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of controlling a washing machine according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Prior to use of the washing machine, information regarding the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies for common types of laundry (and in one embodiment, every type of every kind of laundry) that may be placed or loaded in the washing machine and optimal washing methods corresponding to the type and/or kind of laundry is stored in a database. The exemplary control apparatus controls washing operations of the washing machine, for example as illustrated in FIG. 2.

First, in step S101, when power to the washing machine is turned on, it is determined whether the user has selected a control mode (e.g., washing course, method or settings) of the washing machine.

As a result of the determination, if the control mode has not been selected, the washing mode is treated as a normal washing mode, and a washing course (e.g., washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying) that is already set by the user regardless of the type of laundry is performed in step S102.

In contrast, if the control mode of the washing machine is selected by the user, in step S103, the value of the natural frequency or frequencies of the laundry that has been loaded in the washing machine is measured.

Thereafter, in step S104, the measured value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of the laundry is/are compared with one or more values of the natural frequency or frequencies for various types and/or kinds of laundry stored in the database, to determine the type of laundry that corresponds to and/or that matches the value (e.g., one or more stored values) of the natural frequency or frequencies.

Specifically, it is checked whether the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of the laundry in the washing machine is included in the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of one or more particular types of laundry stored in the database, and the type of laundry that corresponds to the matching value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies is determined to be the type of laundry in the washing machine.

Here, the value of the natural frequency or frequencies stored in advance in the database may be in a range designated by the user, depending on the type of laundry.

Thereafter, if the control apparatus determines the type of laundry that is loaded in the washing machine, the optimal washing method corresponding to the type of laundry in the washing machine is performed based on the information regarding the optimal washing method corresponding to the type of laundry stored in the database in step S105.

In contrast, if the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of the laundry in the washing machine is not included in the value(s) of the natural frequency or frequencies of laundry stored in the database (or does not match any stored natural frequency values), the control apparatus may not be able to determine the type of laundry in the washing machine, the control apparatus may be stopped, and the control mode may be switched to a normal washing mode to perform the washing in step S102.

Here, the normal washing mode refers to a washing course or method (washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying) that is already set by the user, regardless of the type of laundry.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A control apparatus for a washing machine, comprising: at least one sensor unit in the washing machine configured to measure a value of a natural frequency of laundry in the washing machine; a database unit storing information regarding a washing method of the laundry; a control unit that compares the measured value of the natural frequency from the sensor unit with value(s) of a natural frequency or frequencies stored in the database unit to determine the type of laundry, selects a washing method corresponding to the determined type of laundry, and outputs a signal to perform the selected washing method; and a driving unit configured to receive the signal from the control unit and operate the washing machine in accordance with the signal.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the value of the natural frequency of the laundry is not determined, the control unit stops driving the washing control apparatus and performs a washing course which is already set.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the database unit stores values of the natural frequency or frequencies for common types of laundry.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the control unit compares the measured value of the natural frequency of the laundry in the washing machine with the stored values of the natural frequency or frequencies for common types of laundry in the database unit.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the measured value of the natural frequency of the laundry in the washing machine matches one or more of the stored values of the natural frequency or frequencies corresponding to a particular type of laundry, the signal instructs the driving unit to operate according to a washing method corresponding to the particular type of laundry.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the database unit also stores settings for a plurality of washing methods or courses.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the database unit stores the value of the natural frequency for every type of laundry, and the washing method corresponds to the matching type of laundry.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when a spring constant of the laundry is k and a mass of the laundry is m, the natural frequency is determined by the following Equation [1]: $\begin{matrix} {{{Natural}\mspace{14mu} {frequency}\mspace{14mu} (F)} = {{1/2}\pi \times \sqrt{\left( \frac{k}{m} \right)}}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack \end{matrix}$
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the washing method in accordance with the type of laundry determined by the control unit.
 10. A method of controlling a washing machine, comprising: measuring a value of a natural frequency of laundry in the washing machine; comparing the measured value of the natural frequency with one or more values of a natural frequency or frequencies stored in a database to determine a type of the laundry; and performing a washing method corresponding to the determined type of laundry.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising, before measuring the value of the natural frequency of the laundry in the washing machine, storing the value of the natural frequency for every type of laundry and a matching washing method corresponding to the type of laundry.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the database unit stores values of the natural frequency or frequencies for common types of laundry.
 13. The method of claim 12, comprising comparing the measured value of the natural frequency of the laundry in the washing machine with the stored values of the natural frequency or frequencies for common types of laundry.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein when the measured value of the natural frequency of the laundry in the washing machine matches one or more of the stored values of the natural frequency or frequencies corresponding to a particular type of laundry, the method performs the washing method that corresponds to the particular type of laundry.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the database unit also stores settings for a plurality of washing methods or courses.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying the washing method that is performed in accordance with the type of laundry.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein when a spring constant of the laundry is k and a mass of the laundry is m, the natural frequency is determined by the following Equation [1]: $\begin{matrix} {{{Natural}\mspace{14mu} {frequency}\mspace{14mu} (F)} = {{1/2}\pi \times \sqrt{\left( \frac{k}{m} \right)}}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack \end{matrix}$ 